Just last Sunday, I shared that we have surpassed our goal for the SHINE BRIGHT Campaign! And gifts are continuing to come in. Your remarkable generosity will allow us to borrow less than we anticipated to complete our new campus and live into the SHINE Vision. It has been overwhelming to be your pastor and see God at work in you as you have invested throughout the SHINE campaign. And it has been powerful to see those pledges made and fulfilled. I drove by the property earlier in the week and saw all the construction equipment ready. We are moving forward full speed. Looking back, it so clear to see God leading us every step of the way! What a bright SHINING future we have.
Next Sunday, December 12, immediately following the 9:45 am service, the Session and Trustees have called a meeting of the Congregation and Corporation for the sole purpose of acting on their recommendations on the sale of our Locust Street Campus, as well as acting on securing financing for our new campus.
All this exciting work in our Bethlehem has its foundation in what happened 2000 years ago in the city of David, ancient Bethlehem. What a joy to share the love of Jesus with Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley and the world.
Now in the middle of Advent, we are counting down to our Lord Jesus’ birth. We are getting closer. On Sunday, I’ll continue in our Missing Christmas Series with Trust. I’ll turn the spotlight on Mary and her out-of-control life brought on with an angel’s announcement. “How can this be?” she asked. To get ready for Sunday, you can read Luke 1:26-38. And as you read, ponder these questions:
When your plans get altered and interrupted, do you trust God?
When everything goes wrong, do you believe Christmas can make it right?
Do you TRUST Christmas?
Join me Sunday at 8:30 or 11 for our Modern Services or at 9:45 for our Classic service. We will take communion together at all services and light the advent candles at all the services. If you haven’t made it back to in-person worship yet, this is a great week to make your way back.
Sunday afternoon, we will gather for our Christmas Service of Remembrance. This service is a time to acknowledge the grief and loss that many of us will experience this holiday season. CLICK HERE for more information.
We are closing in our goal of serving our city with our ministry partners through our annual GIVING TREE. Your generosity shows the love of Jesus this Christmas to hundreds of families. If you have not chosen a name off the tree, CLICK HERE.
Also, make your plans now to attend and invite your friends and family to our Christmas Candlelight Services (in-person or online) on December 24th. CLICK HERE to see the schedule.
I can’t wait to see you Sunday. Look forward to counting down the days with you.
Your pastor and friend,
Dr. Marnie Crumpler
Senior Pastor